Internal System; Software - Geometrics SmartSeis Maintenance Manual

Whether the seismograph will trigger can also be tested by shorting pins A and B of the trigger
connector on the seismograph with a small piece of wire (such as a paper clip). Short pins "A"
and "B" together, this should result in triggering of the seismograph. Test this several times. The
triggering should be reliable and consistent if the seismograph is working correctly. The unit
should not trigger except when the pins have been connected. You may also measure the
voltage across the pins of the trigger connector; it should be approximately +5 Volts.
If the above tests fail, there may be an internal problem with the trigger connection to the OMNI
board. Remove the seismograph chassis from the yellow housing (see Section 2.1 Internal
seismograph access) and check the connection between the OMNI board Connector J10 (see
Section 2.3, Replacing the OMNI board) and the trigger connector. Also, examine the wires
from the trigger connector to Connector J10. If everything looks normal but the problem
persists, try replacing the OMNI board (see Section 2.3, Replacing the OMNI board).
False triggers may occur if the trigger sensitivity is set incorrectly. Try setting it to a less
sensitive position (lower number). Also, if the trigger source is noisy, providing continuous
trigger signals, the system may not boot properly. False triggering can be worsened as trigger
extension cable is distributed. If false triggering persists, it may be necessary to add external
attenuation or isolation to correct the problem.

1.4 Internal system

1.4.1 Software

Since the SmartSeis is a normal PC-compatible system running the Disk Operating System
TM
(DOS), it will go through the normal DOS boot procedure. You should hear the characteristic
sounds of the hard drive spinning when the system is booting. If not, check the power. If there
are audible signs that the system is booting, but you see no boot-related messages on the
screen (the display is blank), make sure the display is functioning properly (see Section 1.4.2,
Hardware, Display).
Once the system is up and running, if the software freezes and will not respond to the controls,
try switching the power off, then on again. Use the same remedy if the system automatically
exits the seismic program and shows the DOS prompt (such as A:\ or C:\SMARTSEI).
Incorrect software settings for your type of seismic survey may also cause problems while
running the software. One resource for more information on your desired settings and how to
parameterize the seismograph can be found in the SmartSeis Exploration Seismograph
TM
Operation Manual.
On rare occasions, corruption of the system software on the hard disk may occur. Symptoms
include a blank display or a screen message instead of seismic traces after the power-up
sequence. If this happens, first check that the display is functional (see Section 1.4.2,
Hardware, Display). If the display checks, and you have conducted all other relevant tests
with no success, try and re-load the system software from the disk supplied with the system.
TM
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